Cleveland Indians Recall Jose Ramirez, Option House

With SS Asdrubal Cabrera day-to-day (back spasms), the Cleveland Indians decided to replenish its depleted bench and recalled INF Jose Ramirez from AAA Columbus, optioning SP T.J. House to the Columbus Clippers. Ramirez will bat second against the Minnesota Twins today.

The Indians have not placed Cabrera on the DL, and said on Tuesday Francisco Lindor isn’t considered an option if Cabrera were to be placed on the disabled list. Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes notes in addition to Ramirez, INF Justin Sellers could be another option for infield depth in Cleveland. Things can obviously change as circumstances require, but Cleveland is being uncharacteristically cautious with its handling of Lindor, and has thus far resisted the urge to fast-track its top prospect. Given Lindor’s bat isn’t a finished product yet, hopefully the patience will pay off.

Lindor had his first AAA hit in his Columbus debut on July 22:

Ramirez hasn’t done a whole lot in limited playing time at the big-league level (25 at bats in 11 games), but he’s been terrific for “Da Clip Show,” with a .360 OBP and his team-leading 19 steals aren’t only the sixth-most in the International League, but he also has the fourth-highest total in the Indians entire minor-league system.

As for House, he was uninspiring for five innings in Monday’s loss to the Twins, but this is also probably more due to roster flexibility than House’s performance. House has had a solid, yet unspectacular rookie season, posting a 4.50 ERA in 50 IP. He’s not going to win any Cy Young awards, but you can do a lot worse from a fifth starter.

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House’s demotion is also likely good news for SP Danny Salazar, who recovered from a shaky start to finish five innings in yesterday’s 8-2 win. This almost assuredly means Salazar will get another start with Cleveland, likely over the weekend. The Indians never said Salazar was only being recalled for a spot start, and it was encouraging to see the young right-hander rebound mid-start.

SP Trevor Bauer will start for the Indians in the getaway day finale in Minnesota.